Archaeologists are interested in all aspects of human past including past environments and landscapes, material objects, technologies and trade, past civilizations and events, lifestyles, cultures and rituals of past societies.  

In the autumn semester you will find out more about the history of archaeology and current research methods. This includes prospection, excavation, and artifact analysis including dating and frameworks of interpretation. In the spring semester, you gain practical experience in the field. You will get involved in activities such as field surveying and building archaeology.  

By the end of this module, you'll have a solid grasp of key concepts and methods used in archaeology. This will help you to understand our historical past. 

This module focuses on bioarchaeology and material studies, teaching students how to process, store, handle, and analyze archaeological finds. They’ll learn post-excavation analysis, project management best practices (MoRPHE), and how to match research questions with the right methods. Students will gain practical experience in data collection, statistical analysis, and laboratory work, and will develop skills in communicating findings through report writing.

This module will provide an introduction to the study of ancient metal artefacts and metallurgy. Topics will include copper, silver and iron ores; mining; smelting; metal composition analysis; metallographic and use-wear analysis; isotopes and the provenance of metals. Emphasis will be given to specific case studies which will indicate how these prehistoric industries can be located within their social, technological and economic contexts. 

This module will examine what we can learn from the human skeleton, about the lives of people who lived in the past. We will also include some basic zooarchaeology to understand the similarities and differences between these two specialisms. The module will involve handling real archaeological human and non-human skeletons, learning how to identify their age, sex, stature, pathologies and taphonomy. We will also examine the demography of 19th century Nottingham on a fieldtrip to one of the city’s largest (and most atmospheric) cemeteries. 

This module will introduce students to human and non-human skeletons, and the information that can be gained from them, including aging, sexing, stature, pathology and isotope analysis. Sampling strategies, data collection and analysis will also be covered using data collected by the students themselves on a fieldtrip. The aim of the module is to make students confident in handling human and zooarchaeological remains, to have the background necessary to undertake final year dissertations on either human remains or zooarchaeology, and to teach some basic data visualisation and analysis. 

This module teaches skills in isotope analysis methods as applied in environmental archaeology, an increasingly important technique in the archaeologist’s skills set. It will be taught in partnership with experts from the Stable Isotope Facility at BGS, Keyworth, through lectures and a series of practical laboratory sessions in UoN and BGS Government research laboratories. 

Teaching will have a practical, skills focus whereby theory (which questions can/should we ask?) and techniques (what methods can help us evidence the answers?) are taught together. Students will be guided through the process of sample selection, preparation and analysis, as well as data processing, interpretation and results reporting. 

By the end of course, students will have compiled a methodological lab book which will be helpful to them in further developing the skills and techniques demonstrated in this module in a professional setting. They will also practice preparing final reports, developing key skills in quantitative and qualitative reporting, the importance of effective data handling, and factual and interpretative writing. ​  

Learn how to understand the structure and function of significant molecules in cells, and the important metabolic processes which occur inside them. Some of the topics we will study include: 

•  protein and enzyme structure and function 

• the biosynthesis of cell components 

• role of cell membranes in barrier and transport processes.  

Through lectures and lab experiments you'll examine how information in DNA is used to determine the structure of gene products. By the end of the module you will have a better understanding of DNA structure, transcription and translation and mutation and recombinant DNA technology. 

Learn about the structure, functions and methods used to understand the eukaryotic genome, including humans. 

We'll explore techniques for manipulating genes and genomes, especially in the field of medical genetics. Using specific diseases as examples, we'll study different types of DNA mutations that can cause illnesses and how they are identified. The practical classes will teach you basic skills in medical genetics. This includes putting DNA fragments into expression vectors. The classes will be a mix of hands-on activities and problem-solving. This will help you to explore the methods behind genetic engineering and genome manipulation.  

You will focus on microbiology, especially harmful microbes like viruses, fungi, and parasites. You will also explore the role of bacteria in health and disease. Understanding how the body develops immunity will be a key aspect. Particular attention will be on diseases linked to immune system issues. The applied microbiology segment will introduce you to recombinant DNA technology and how prokaryotic genes are regulated.  

This module explores the fundamental workings of the brain. We will look at how disruptions lead to common central nervous system (CNS) disorders. You will learn about neurotransmitters, pathways, and their role in normal brain function. You will discover how deviations from this, contribute to conditions like: 

• Alzheimer's 

• epilepsy,  

• schizophrenia, 

• autism.  

Start to understand the pharmacological aspects including how medication interacts with the brain to alleviate symptoms. Gain insights into widely-used drugs for such disorders. 

The cytoskeleton is a major dug target particularly in cancer therapy. This module will cover drugs that modulate the cytoskeleton and how they are used both as therapeutics and as research tools. We will also cover pathogens that hijack the cytoskeleton to invade and proliferate in mammalian cells. 

To develop an understanding of the components and function of cytoskeletal systems and how the cytoskeleton underpins movement of and within cells. To understand the molecular mechanisms driving cytoskeleton activity. To understand the role of the cytoskeleton in the context of health and disease and the role of cytoskeleton targeting drugs as therapeutics. 

In this module, you will explore cell movement and force at the molecular level. Understand the dynamic cytoskeleton, a cell's internal structure, and discover how it shapes cell formation and powers movement.

Learn about three major cytoskeletal filaments such as microtubules, actin, and intermediate filaments to find out more about their molecular components and how they function. You will delve into the incredible speed at which these filaments form and reform to meet a cell's needs. We will consider the importance of the cytoskeleton in health, disease, and its role in cancer therapy. 

Life on Earth provides an introduction to the fundamental characteristics and properties of the range of organisms which inhabit our planet. These include viruses, bacteria and Archaea, as well as plants and animals. In weekly lectures, and regular laboratory practical classes, you will consider how living organisms are classified, how they are related genetically and phylogenetically. You will also learn the basic aspects of their structure and function. 

In this module you will explore the factors influencing species distribution and abundance. Learn to use models for predicting population dynamics under various conditions. Recognize how species interactions fuel co-evolution. This provides insight into the organization of natural systems. You will learn about populations and communities development. Start to understand ecosystems and biogeographical scales, along with ecological dynamics. 

Introduces key evolutionary concepts and their application in the animal kingdom. Areas you will study include the history of evolutionary thinking, natural selection versus the neutral theory, sexual selection and human evolution. 

This module provides an introduction to the study of animal behaviour. We cover the physiological and genetic bases of behaviour. We then consider development through learning and its importance in the natural environment. Through practical classes, you will learn about the physiological basis of fundamental behaviours. We look at examples from across the animal kingdom. You will learn how predictive modelling, experimental and observational techniques integrate to explain how, and why animals behave as they do. 

The module looks in detail at the ideas and concepts underpinning conservation, particularly the effects of scale. The major role of habitat loss and fragmentation is explored. We consider the inadequacies of local conservation measures. Experts attend the teaching sessions to speak about their jobs and how to work in conservation. Quantitative approaches are emphasized. You will learn the skills needed to make a difference through a set of practical exercises. 

This module looks to answer some of the questions around what is cancer? what causes it? and what happens when someone gets cancer. We will cover topics including detection, diagnosis, treatment, recovery and survivorship. 

Understand how cancers grow, how the cells divide, mutate, generate their own blood supply, and use energy. You will learn how cancers interact with the body and corrupt normal cell processes. We will consider how cancers can evade detection by the immune system. There's a focus on cancers affecting the kidneys, brain, blood, skin, prostate and pancreas. 

You will examine a selection of acquired and inherited cancers. This module will help you to develop an understanding of the role of the genes involved and how they can be analysed. This module will be taught through a three-hour lecture once a week. 

What makes a cancer evade the immune system, and how can this be overcome. A look at the latest drugs that harness the body’s own defences to fight cancer. 

This module explores the tumour microenvironment. You’ll examine the components of the tumour microenvironment that influence cancer cell behaviours (proliferation, invasiveness, drug resistance), the mechanisms underlying these influences, and opportunities for new drug treatments. 

This module builds on the practical, analytical and communication skills acquired in the first year. It introduces more advanced experiments across Inorganic, Organic and Physical chemistry (note – students choose 2 of the 3 from Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry). Increasing use is made of spectroscopic and other analytical techniques in the characterisation of compounds. More detailed laboratory reports will be required. 

Students will: 

• Be able to perform a range of standard & more advanced synthetic and analytical practical procedures safely and reliably using Good Chemistry Laboratory Practice (GCLP). 
• Know how to prepare Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) and risk assessments. 
• Be proficient in planning and organising time so that experiments are performed efficiently in the allocated time. 
• Be competent in calculating amounts of reagents accurately. 
• Be capable of accurately and precisely measuring reagents and preparing solutions. 
• Be able to scientifically interpret results and observations and report your findings in a concise manner. 

The module is divided into two parts: 

1. Functional group chemistry - you will consider synthetic transformations of alcohols, amines, carbonyls, and alkenes. We will look at how these transformations are used to synthesise complex molecules such as natural products or pharmaceutical agents. 

2. Synthesis -this provides an introduction to retrosynthetic analysis and synthesis of organic molecules using a selection of pharmaceutical agents as examples. Formative feedback is given on the material in this module at the associated workshops. You will receive overall feedback after the exam by the module leader. 

This module covers material related to developing a more sustainable approach to chemistry. You will learn what makes up sustainable chemistry. You will learn about the significance of new technologies such as synthetic biology. We will begin to recognise the problems in achieving sustainability too. 

You’ll study topics such as the physical properties of the atmosphere, chemistry of ozone in the stratosphere, global warming, and analytical methods in atmospheric chemistry in two lectures each week. 

The fundamental building blocks of life are essential for life as we know it but what exactly are they and how can this aid us in the development of medicinal drugs? This module will provide you with the fundamental concepts in molecular biology, medicinal chemistry and drug discovery, enabling you to understand the mode of action of anti-cancer agents, antibiotics and toxins.   

You’ll study:  

• Molecular Processes in Cells, including Cell Signalling, DNA replication, Transcription, Translation, Protein Folding, Protein Transport and Protein Degradation 

• Analysis of Pharmacodynamic and Pharmacokinetic Data  

• Cell Cycle, Cancer and Apoptosis 

• Microbiology, including anatomy of bacterial cells and action of antibiotics  

• Viruses and viral diseases, as well as anti-viral agents studied in case studies  

 You’ll attend two lectures each week for this module.  

This module introduces and develops theories that can predict and describe accurately the physical principles underlying chemical phenomena,, There is a focus on energy, quantum mechanics, spectroscopy and the solid state.  

The module includes a basic introduction to quantum mechanics in Chemistry. There is also an introduction to a range of spectroscopies applied to diatomic molecules. We will show how these methods are used to discover and understand information about the structure and bonding in diatomic molecules.  

Methods for calculating thermodynamic properties of single-component and multi-component materials in different phases will be developed. The module gives an introduction to solid-state chemistry, including the structure, characterisation, energetics and simple band theory of solids. 

You will learn about bulk properties of the Earth. This includes a greater understanding of minerals, igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. We will also cover topics in geological time, tectonics and geological structures. Some of the time will be spent on map interpretation, geological hazards, and resource geology. 

The majority of people now live in urban areas and the combined impact of cities worldwide is an important cause of global environmental changes. Urban environments are places of intensive energy and water use and waste generation. 

Students will examine the consequences of interactions between climate change, the urban heat island effect, and air pollution. Case studies from around the world will illustrate the impact of extreme events such as flooding, drought, and heatwaves. 

The module will focus on air quality, water and waste management and explore past, present and possible future responses to those challenges including the role of green infrastructure in supporting sustainable living in urban 
environments. 

Students will learn about the range of environmental issues associated with cities including the health consequences associated with reduced air and water quality. 

You will gain an understanding of the important chemical and physical processes that operate in the terrestrial environment,. There is a focus on soils and fresh water systems.  The module explores the study of the hydrological cycle, including surface and sub-surface water chemistry including rainfall, rivers and lakes. We consider processes that govern the movement of solutes and colloidal materials. We also cover adsorption, redox, solubility, diffusion and kinetics. 

This module is concerned with the behaviour and effects of pollutants in terrestrial and aquatic environments and how their impacts can be ameliorated and managed. The focus is on both the scientific understanding of environmental pollutants and on the intervention strategies currently available.

Topics covered include study of the common water and soil pollutants: heavy metal contamination of land; radionuclide behaviour in the environment; persistent organic contaminants and pesticides; nitrate pollution of groundwater; pollution of surface waters by agriculture; eutrophication of lakes; acidification of soils and freshwaters; biological monitoring of rivers; ecotoxicology and environmental epidemiology; quantitative risk assessment; land reclamation, including landfill sites. You will have lectures, tutorials, a field visit and laboratory work and demonstrations. 

This module introduces the principles of ecology at a first year level. It covers: Evolutionary aspects of ecology. Organisms and their environment: physical, chemical and biotic factors limiting species distribution. Capture and utilization of resources by organisms. The niche concept of life cycles and dispersal. Population Ecology: intraspecific and interspecific competition, predation, parasitism, and mutualism. Community Ecology: diversity and stability of communities, patterns of species richness, the concept of a climax community, energy flow and nutrient cycling. The module explores definitions of biodiversity and explores the value of biodiversity through different ethical frameworks. The loss of species and habitats is discussed with particular reference to semi natural and managed habitats such as woodland, hedgerows, meadows, and farmland.

In this module, we will explore a variety of UK habitats and the ecological requirements and adaptations of the species found within them. Methods for wildlife conservation and sustainable management of wildlife resources will be introduced.

You will develop skills in identification, and an understanding of commonly used methods to classify and monitor species and habitats. Using examples of UK national nature reserves (NNR) and sites of special scientific interest (SSSI) we will examine issues relating to the protection of, and management of, these sites. 

The module focuses on the processes that govern terrestrial ecosystem function. We will identify key ecosystem drivers and processes. You will explore how these have shaped the biosphere. You will benefit from an understanding of the mechanisms that control changes in the physiochemical environment and their impact on communities. Topics will include primary productivity, decomposition, herbivory, biodiversity and human impact on ecosystems. 

This module will introduce students to a range of skills for environmental monitoring and ecological assessment; students will develop key practical skills and gain valuable experience in planning and conducting fieldwork. 

There will be a strong focus on developing practical skills and enhancing employability in the environmental job sector.

Topics covered will include Plant identification and NVC - Phase 1 habitat surveys, surveying species, which have specific protections under law – bats and birds and terrestrial invertebrate survey techniques. 

This module will introduce students to a range of topics relating to ecology and conservation, with a particular focus on the tropical context. During the course, students will: 

• Develop their understanding of tropical ecosystems, their complexity, and the threats that they are currently facing, including topics such as the impacts of climate change, land-use change, and exploitation of wildlife. 

• Consider a range of possible approaches for conservation and more sustainable management. These will take into account ecological, socio-political, and economic factors, and will include a wide range of strategies such as species-specific interventions, broader habitat management, and policy change. 

• Examine case studies detailing real-life examples of conservation problems and solutions, across a variety of tropical contexts. 

This module builds on your existing knowledge. You will study advanced topics in calculus. The basic concepts of complex numbers, vector and matrix algebra are taught and we will also provide an introduction to vector spaces. You will be introduced to different types of proof, such as direct proof, proof by contradiction and proof by induction. We will also consider theorems and tests for determining the limits of sequences and series. You will develop general skills and confidence in applying the methods of calculus. You will develop techniques and ideas that are widely used and applicable in subsequent modules. 

The module covers introductory topics in statistics and probability. They are relevant for use in data analysis as well as a broad range of subjects. Topics include probability distributions, parameter estimation, confidence intervals and hypothesis testing. The module also provides an introduction to statistical modelling. We will also consider applied statistics with real-world relevance. These include sample size calculations, the multiple comparison problem, data collection and experiment design. You will also learn to critique and interpret statistical reports and papers. 

This module introduces basic techniques in numerical methods and numerical analysis. They can be used to generate approximate solutions to problems that may not be feasible for accurate analysis. 

Specific topics include: 

• Implementing algorithms in Matlab 

• Discussion of errors (including rounding errors) 

• Iterative methods for nonlinear equations (simple iteration, bisection, Newton, convergence) 

• Gaussian elimination, matrix factorisation, and pivoting 

• Iterative methods for linear systems, matrix norms, convergence, Jacobi, Gauss-Siedel 

• Interpolation (Lagrange polynomials, orthogonal polynomials, splines) 

• Numerical differentiation & integration (Difference formulae, Richardson extrapolation, simple and composite quadrature rules) 

• Introduction to numerical ODEs (Euler and Runge-Kutta methods, consistency, stability) 

Maths has a wide range of applications in medicine and biology. We assume students have no prior biological knowledge. This module explores how mathematics helps us in the fight against illness and disease. Topics such as population dynamics, biological oscillations, pattern formation and nonlinear growth phenomena. There is a particular focus on model building and development. 

In this module a variety of techniques and areas of mathematical optimisation will be covered. These include Lagrangian methods for optimisation, simplex algorithm linear programming and dynamic programming. You will develop skills for using these techniques, which can be applied in maths and across other subjects. 

This module builds on your existing knowledge. You will study advanced topics in calculus. The basic concepts of complex numbers, vector and matrix algebra are taught and we will also provide an introduction to vector spaces. You will be introduced to different types of proof, such as direct proof, proof by contradiction and proof by induction. We will also consider theorems and tests for determining the limits of sequences and series. You will develop general skills and confidence in applying the methods of calculus. You will develop techniques and ideas that are widely used and applicable in subsequent modules. 

This course explores the classical and quantum mechanical description of motion, The laws of classical mechanics are investigated both in their original formulation due to Newton and in the mathematically equivalent but more powerful formulation due to Lagrange and Hamilton.  

The formalism of quantum mechanics is introduced by the postulates of quantum mechanics which are developed and applied for finite-dimensional Hiberst spaces and for a point particles. 

Application of the theory to various example problems are covered in classical and quantum mechanics. The course is the foundation of Mathematical Physics modules available at level 3 and 4. 

Topics include: 

• Newton's laws of motion 

• Lagrange's description of mechanics - the Lagrangian of a mechanical system, the Euler-Lagrange equations of motion. 

• Hamilton's description of mechanics - transforming the Lagrangian to the Hamiltonion description of a mechanical system, standard concepts such as phase space and Poisson brackets. 

• Basic formalism of quantum mechanics, including properties of state vectors, inner products, Hermitian operators, unitary transformations, the probabilistic interpretations of quantum states and their wave function (Born's rule), the Schrodinger equation, Heisenberg's uncertainty principle and energy eigenstates. 

• Quantum mechanical problems, including application to quantum information in a finite-dimensional Hibert space and quantum harmonic oscillator. 

This course provides an introduction to coding theory. There is a focus on error-correcting codes including their uses and applications. It also provides an introduction to cryptography, such as classical mono and polyalphabetic ciphers. You will also explore modern public key cryptography and digital signatures as well as their uses and applications. 

The course is an introduction to Einstein's theory of special and general relativity. When velocities are a significant fraction of the speed of light, the concepts of spatial distance and elapsed time need to be modified; they become relative to the observer. In this course the relativistic laws of mechanics are described in a unified framework of space and time and some implications, such as Einstein’s famous equation E=mc2, are explained. Gravitational effects require that space-time is warped or curved. The relevant mathematical machinery to describe this curvature is introduced and is used to discuss its physical effects. Topics covered: 

• Lorentz transformations. 

• Minkowski space. 

• Relativistic particle mechanics. 

• Special relativity continuum mechanics. 

• Elementary differential geometry. 

• Newtonian gravitation. 

• General relativity. 

• Einstein field equations. 

• Examples of spacetimes, including Schwarzschild geometry. 

This module develops your previous knowledge of fluid flow. It introduces the concept of viscosity and we consider the fundamental governing equations for the motion of liquids and gases. Methods for solving these equations are introduced. They include exact solutions and approximate solutions valid for thin layers. We also start to apply the theory to model fluid dynamical problems of physical relevance. 

This module is based on the textbook "Physics for Scientists and Engineers" by Knight (all first years are provided with a copy of this book). The module aims to introduce core topics in physics which will underpin all subsequent physics modules. The module begins by discussing classical mechanics in the language of vectors and the key notion of harmonic motion which is developed to cover wave phenomena. The first semester ends with an introduction to Einstein's special theory of relativity. The second semester introduces the basic ideas of electromagnetism, electrical circuits and quantum physics. 

Topics include: 

• Vectors and Coordinate systems 

• Kinematics and Motion in 1D and 2D 

• Newton's Laws 

• Conservation Laws 

• Rotation of a Rigid Body 

• Micro-macro connection 

• Oscillations 

• Travelling Waves 

• Superposition of Waves 

• Galilean Relativity 

• Relativity of Time 

• Spacetime 

• Relativistic Energy and Momentum

In this module, you'll study key characteristics of matter and the two main ways to describe them. We will delve into thermodynamics, focusing on big-picture aspects like temperature and pressure. We'll uncover relationships between these factors and the fundamental laws that govern them, irrespective of microscopic details. Next, we'll explore statistical mechanics. We will connect the macroscopic properties to microphysics by using statistical descriptions instead of detailed microscopic dynamics. You will learn how both methods introduce two significant factors, namely temperature and entropy. We look at how they play crucial roles in understanding physics and the bigger picture. 

You will develop your knowledge of the various physical processes occurring in stars of different types. You’ll use this knowledge to build both mathematical models. You will also gain a better understanding of qualitative physical stellar structure and evolution. You will have two hours per week of lectures studying this module. 

This module provides an overview of how forces at the nanoscale are different to those observed in macroscopic systems. We will consider how they can be exploited in nanometre-scale processes and devices. 

You’ll focus on the physical basis and measurement of forces operating on the nanoscale. At the same time, we will consider van der Waals, electrostatic, hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions. 

You’ll spend around three hours per week in lectures and workshops. 

This module will provide a general introduction to solid state physics. Topics covered include: 

• Bonding nature of chemical bonds, thermodynamics of solid formation 

• Crystal structures description of crystal structures, k-space, reciprocal lattice, Bragg diffraction, Brillouin zones 

• Nearly-free electron model - Bloch's theorem, band gaps from electron Bragg scattering, effective masses 

• Band theory Fermi surfaces, qualitative picture of transport, metals, insulators and semiconductors 

• Semiconductors - doping, inhomogeneous semiconductors, basic description of pn junction 

• Phonons normal modes of ionic lattice, quantization, Debye theory of heat capacities, acoustic and optical phonons 

• Optical properties of solids absorption and reflection of light by metals, Brewster angle, dielectric constants, plasma oscillations 

• Magnetism- Landau diamagnetism, paramagnetism, exchange interactions, Ferromagnetism, antiferromagnetism, neutron scattering, dipolar interactions and domain formation, magnetic technology 

This module is based on the textbook "Physics for Scientists and Engineers" by Knight (all first years are provided with a copy of this book). The module aims to introduce core topics in physics which will underpin all subsequent physics modules. The module begins by discussing classical mechanics in the language of vectors and the key notion of harmonic motion which is developed to cover wave phenomena. The first semester ends with an introduction to Einstein's special theory of relativity. The second semester introduces the basic ideas of electromagnetism, electrical circuits and quantum physics. 

Topics include: 

• Vectors and Coordinate systems 

• Kinematics and Motion in 1D and 2D 

• Newton's Laws 

• Conservation Laws 

• Rotation of a Rigid Body 

• Micro-macro connection 

• Oscillations 

• Travelling Waves 

• Superposition of Waves 

• Galilean Relativity 

• Relativity of Time 

• Spacetime 

• Relativistic Energy and Momentum 

In the module From Newton to Einstein, you learnt about the idea of a field a quantity which is defined at every point in space. In this module, we extend the description of fields by introducing the mathematics of vector calculus.  

The module will begin with an introduction to vector calculus, illustrated in the context of the flow of ideal (non-viscous) fluids. We will then use the mathematics to provide a framework for describing, understanding and using the laws of electromagnetism. We discuss how electric and magnetic fields are related to each other and to electrical charges and electrical currents. The macroscopic description of electric fields inside dielectric materials and magnetic fields inside magnetizable materials will be described. This includes the boundary conditions that apply at material interfaces.  

The last section of the module will discuss Maxwells equations of electrodynamics and how they lead to the vector wave equation for electromagnetic waves. 

In this module you will develop your experimental technique and gain experience of some key instruments and methods. The experiments will cover electrical measurements, optics and radiation. You will also learn how to use a computer to control experiments and to record data directly from measuring instruments. 

This module will provide an introduction to the theory and elementary applications of quantum mechanics. This is a theory that is one of the key achievements of 20th-century physics. 

Quantum mechanics is an elegant theoretical construct that is both beautiful and mysterious. You will learn how some of the predictions of quantum mechanics are wholly counter-intuitive and there are aspects of it that are not properly understood. However, it has been tested experimentally for over 50 years and, wherever predictions can be made, they agree with the experiments. 

This module will introduce students to the physics of atoms, nuclei and the fundamental constituents of matter and their interactions. The module will also develop the quantum mechanical description of these. 

Topics covered are: 

• Approximation techniques first order perturbation theory, degeneracies, second order perturbation theory, transition rates, time-dependent perturbation theory, Fermi's golden rule 

• Particle Physics protons and neutrons, antiparticles, particle accelerators and scattering experiments, conservation laws, neutrinos, leptons, baryons and hadrons, the quark model and the strong interaction, weak interactions, standard model 

• Introduction to atomic physics review of simple model of hydrogen atom, Fermi statistics and Pauli principle, aufbau principle, hydrogenic atoms, exchange, fine structure and hyperfine interactions, dipole interaction, selection rules and transition rates 

• Lasers optical polarization and photons, optical cavities, population inversions, Bose statistics and stimulated emission, Einstein A and B coefficients 

• Nuclear Physics Radioactivity, decay processes, alpha, beta and gamma emission, detectors, stability curves and binding energies, nuclear fission, fusion, liquid drop and shell models. 

Cognitive psychology is the study of mental processes. This module will provide an introduction to the methods used by cognitive psychologists in their investigations of mental processes in humans.  

We will cover a wide range of topics and you will begin to understand how mental processes can limit human performance in certain contexts. The module addresses topics such as attention, perception, language, memory, and thinking. You will have two one-hour lectures per week. 

This module develops your practical skills in running experiments in psychology. You will learn: 

• experimental design 

• interpreting summary data 

• inferential statistics 

You will learn to build experiments with the computer-based user-interface, PsychoPy. You will work in small groups on supervisor-guided projects. This will help develop your practical and teamworking skills before submitting a report for assessment. 

This module will cover several issues in neuroscience and behaviour. The topics are relevant to understanding the biological bases of psychological functions. We will cover 

• psychopharmacology 

• psychobiological explanations of mental disorders 

• dementia 

• sexual development and behaviour 

• methods of studying neuropsychological processes 

• the effects of brain damage on mental functioning including amnesias, agnosias and aphasias 

• introduction to classical and instrumental conditioning 

• theories of associative learning and memory 

• what forgetting might tell us about learning 

• topics in comparative cognition and cognitive abilities 

• can animals do anything apart from conditioning? 

This module focuses on the structure and function of the visual brain. You will explore how it is designed and shaped by experiences over a range of timescales.  

Over years of development, brain plasticity is the driving force for the maturation of different visual brain functions. Even well into adulthood, plasticity is retained. This is shown in learning, which can optimise performance for certain visual tasks and be used for therapeutic uses.During the module you will examine the consequences of evolution, development, learning and adaptation for visual brain function and perception. 

Supported by lectures, seminars and tutorials, this module aims to provide you with an understanding of the mechanisms of learning and memory in human and non-human animals. It also provides you with an analysis of pathological conditions involving these systems. 

You’ll study topics that include: 

• perceptual learning 

• the contextual and attentional modulation of learning and behaviour 

• neuroscience-focused topics such as the role of the hippocampus in memory 

Clinical topics include: 

• the acquisition of phobias 

• memory discords 

• the psychological side effects of cancer treatment 

• depression 

There are two hours per week of lectures. 

The modules gives you an introduction to the core topics in social psychology. This involves trying to understand the social behaviour of individuals. We will cover both internal characteristics of the person (e.g. cognitive mental processes) and external influences (the social environment).  

Lectures will cover topics including: 

• how we define the self 

• attitudes 

• attribution 

• obedience 

• aggression 

• pro-social behaviour 

• friendship formation 

You will have a one-hour lecture weekly. 

This module will examine: 

• Perception, with particular emphasis on vision, but also hearing, taste, touch and smell; 

• The Psychology of Language. We consider linguistic theory, speech, parsing, word meaning, and language production 

• The Psychology of Reading. This involves word recognition, theories of eye-movement control, and reading multi-media displays 

• Human Memory, covering the basics of encoding, storage and retrieval. There is particular reference to real-world applications of memory research 

• Thinking and Problem Solving - you will learn about heuristics, biases, evolutionary perspectives on human rationality and group decision making 

This module explores how psychologists study and understand disorders of cognitive development. The module focuses on disorders which include impairments in attention, memory and/or function. You will study attention deficit, hyperactivity disorder,(ADHD), autism, reading disorders and Down Syndrome. 

You will receive an introduction to this growing area of psychology, with a focus on criminality. The module concentrates on offending behaviours and the typical categorisation of those who commit crimes or harm themselves. We explore standard interventions for offenders, and the neuroscience of offending.  

We will also cover the current research on specific offending behaviours. You will examine the role of the criminal justice system and the health service in dealing with individuals who offend. You’ll have two hours of lectures per week for this module. 

This course provides an introduction to the context in which educational psychologists operate looking at the historical development of the profession within legislative and policy contexts such as social inclusion. A particular focus is assessment and intervention work with specific populations of young people, i.e. learners who display challenging behaviour, vulnerable adolescents and bilingual learners.

The course will also examine psychological approaches to group work, the application of system theory to transform aspects of schools and other organisations and successes in, and barriers to establishing a role as scientist-practitioners in educational settings. You’ll have two hours of lectures per week for this module.